Justin Timberlake recently reflected on one of the most unforgettable moments from Saturday Night Live history: when he convinced Beyoncé to participate in the iconic parody of her hit song "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" back in 2008. This sketch not only showcased Timberlake's comedic timing but also offered fans a humorous glimpse of Beyoncé's legendary performance style.
Timberlake shared his memories during the new Peacock documentary, Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music, where he recalled the initial pitch for the sketch. He described how Andy Samberg approached him with the idea, telling him, "Bobby Moynihan has this great idea for a sketch about you, me and him being Beyoncé’s background dancers." Timberlake immediately found the concept entertaining. "I was like, 'full leotard'?" Timberlake recalled laughing at the thought. "And Samberg said, 'yeah.' I was like, 'This is too funny. We have to do this.'" The excitement was palpable as Timberlake envisioned the iconic dance number being reimagined.
Despite Timberlake's enthusiasm, he faced significant challenges in persuading Beyoncé to join the comedic endeavor. "She was very polite about it, but she was very hesitant. And when I say hesitant, I mean like, she was not having it," Timberlake said, reflecting on their discussions. This hesitation raised his curiosity. "I’m like: Does she know how funny this is gonna be? How beloved this whole moment will be?" He recalled thinking about the impact of the sketch and how it could resonate with both the fans and the show.
To break the ice and convince her, Timberlake resorted to some theatrics of his own. He dressed up fully, complete with the leotard, heels, and hose, before performing for Beyoncé to sway her decision. "I put the leotard and the heels and the hose on and everything, and put a robe on. I walked and knocked on her door, I threw the robe down and put my hands on my hips and she was like, 'No you didn’t!'" Timberlake recalled with laughter, highlighting the incredulity of winning her over.
The sketch went on to become one of the standout segments, memorable for its hilarious take on the minimalist aesthetic of Beyoncé's original video. Featuring Timberlake, Samberg, and Moynihan clad in tight black leotards, the trio offered their own comedic spin as they danced behind the actual pop icon who was portrayed as the focal point of the performance.
Paul Rudd also joined the sketch as the music video’s director, adding another layer of comedy. The combination of the humor and the homage to Beyoncé's original performance helped solidify its place as one of the most beloved sketches on SNL, particularly among fans of both the comedian and the music artist.
While reflecting on the sketch’s legacy, Timberlake emphasized the fun and joy it brought to the audiences. The success of the skit demonstrated how pop culture could intertwine with comedy, creating memorable moments for viewers. Fans still reminiscing about the sketch and the widespread impact of Timberlake's and Beyoncé's artistry years after it first aired is proof of its success.
Available for streaming on Peacock, Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music not only highlights Timberlake’s significant TV moments but also features other star-studded clips over the years, showcasing the evolution of SNL as it celebrated seminal moments within the music and entertainment industry.
The impactful sketches from the past, including Timberlake's memorable leotard performance, remind us of the strength of collaboration between artists and their humorous takes on each other's work. Such collaborations reflect how comedy can transform iconic music performances, resulting in moments cherished by fans across generations.